How to Make Curtain Panels With Ties to Go Over the Rod

Tie-top curtains are stationary panels, and because these panels are not meant to be moved across the rod, they work well with decorative rods which are visible between the ties. The curtains can be made of sheers for a light-diffusing curtain positioned to cover the entire window, or as side panels made of decorative fabric. Tie-top curtains tend to an informal appearance and are particularly well suited to contemporary interiors. Choose lightweight cotton to tapestry-weight fashion or drapery fabric; these curtain panels can handle most fabric types and weights.

1

Install the curtain rod in the chosen location, according to the rod installation instructions. Measure from the top of the curtain rod to the desired top of the curtain and record this measurement as the finished tie length. Consider that some of the space between the bottom of the rod and the top of the curtain will be visible between the ties, depending on the length of the ties. Bear this in mind when deciding on rod location.

2

Measure from the top of the curtain rod to the desired curtain length. Subtract the finished tie length for the finished curtain length.

3

Use one width of fabric for each panel. Typically, drapery panels start with 54-inch-wide drapery fabric and finish to 48 inches wide, using two 1 1/2-inch double side hems. This panel will cover 18 to 24 inches when hung, depending on how close together you place the ties across the rod hanging the curtains.

4

Cut the fabric to the finished curtain length plus 8 inches for a 4-inch double bottom hem. Add 1/2 inch for the top seam. Cut one top facing equal to the width of the panel and 8 inches long.

5

Cut the ties equal in length to three times the finished tie length plus 1 inch and twice the finished tie width plus 1 inch. Cut two ties for each tie placement. The width of the tie is up to you and can range from 1/2 inch to 2 or 3 inches. Skinny ties are easier to make from lightweight or sheer fabrics. They tend to have a more casual appearance. Wider ties are better for heavier fabric, but the ties may be quite stiff. They can be difficult to make from heavy fabric. It is helpful to make some test ties of different widths before cutting the fabric for the final ones. Plan on one pair of ties at each side edge of the curtain and an even number of pairs of ties spaced equally across the curtain top every 6 to 8 inches. For a 48-inch panel, six 2-inch-wide tie pairs spaced about 7 1/2 inches apart, plus two pairs for the side edges, is typical tie placement.

6

Plan for an even number of ties across the panel. This causes the side edges to turn away from the room, toward the window. If you do not use an even number of ties, one side edge will turn into the room, exposing the wrong side of the curtain.

7

Match the long edges of thes tie right sides together and sew with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Sew across one end. Turn the ties right side out and press.

8

Sew a 1/2-inch double hem across the bottom edge of the facing and sew a 4-inch double hem in the bottom edge of the curtain.

9

Lay the curtain flat with the right side visible. Place two ties at each tie location across the top edge of the panel, matching the raw edges of the ties to the top edge of the curtain. Place the outside edge of the two side edge ties 3 inches from the raw edge of the curtain. The ties sit on top of each other, not side by side. Place the facing right side toward the right side of the panel. Match the top raw edges. Pin the raw edges together and sew across the top of the panel with a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

10

Turn the facing to the wrong side of the panel; the ties are now exposed and the wrong side of the facing is against the wrong side of the curtain panel. Press the top edge.

11

Sew a 1 1/2-inch double side hem on each edge of the panel.

12

Tie the ties, leaving the desired opening for the curtain rod. This opening is equal to the finished tie length measurement. Insert the curtain rod through the tie openings and hang it on the rod brackets. Adjust the panel width by moving the ties across the rod.

About the Author

Linda Erlam started writing educational manuals in 1979. She also writes a biweekly newspaper column, "Design Dilemmas," in the "Lakeshore News" and has been published in "Design and Drapery Pro" magazine. Erlam is a graduate of the Sheffield School of Interior Design and is a practicing interior decorator and drapery workroom operator.

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Erlam, Linda. "How to Make Curtain Panels With Ties to Go Over the Rod." Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/make-curtain-panels-ties-over-rod-77569.html. Accessed 21 March 2019.

Erlam, Linda. (n.d.). How to Make Curtain Panels With Ties to Go Over the Rod. Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/make-curtain-panels-ties-over-rod-77569.html

Erlam, Linda. "How to Make Curtain Panels With Ties to Go Over the Rod" accessed March 21, 2019. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/make-curtain-panels-ties-over-rod-77569.html

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